Which Leupold Scope for 7mm Rem Mag?

[bucdoego]

I just bought a VX-3HD CDS FireDot (180627) for a Creedmoor and its being delivered (thanks, schmalts).

Now I am considering what to mount on a 7mm Rem Mag. Would another VX3HD CDS FireDot be the right choice, or should I opt for more magnification and maybe even jump up to the VX-5HD with FireDot?

The candidates are:

VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL FireDot Twilight Hunter 30MM 180627
VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Wind-Plex 30MM 180623
VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex 172368

I like them all. I'm partial to CDS, 30mm tubes and side-focus. I'm impressed with FireDot and I like the VX-3HD 3.5-10. I also think higher magnification might prove to be an advantage in applications where the 7MM Mag would be employed, i.e., western hunting - ELK, Muleys, etc. Is 3.5-10 enough?

The VX-5HD with FireDot is very tempting. But it is also significantly more expensive. At suggested retail, there is about $400 between the two FireDot scopes. Sadly, budget and money is an issue.

Choices. Choices. What do you think? Any input appreciated.

 

[noharleyyet]

Another 180627....light, very clear, plenty of power

 

[JLS]

Door number 2.

 

[TN2shot07]

If budget is an issue add another VX3 and roll on, I personally like the 3.5-10 better. The VX5 is awesome if you can swing the upgrade but you’re good to go with either one!

 

[mdhunter]

I have the same scope on all four of my rifles set up with ballistic turrets. I like simplicity of the identical setups.

 

[NEWHunter]

That’s a good problem to have. I’ve shot a 7mm with a 3-9x Leupold for almost 30 years. If I were to put a new scope on it, I’d want more than 10x, especially if used primarily in western states.

 

[nhenry]

I'd go 4.5-14. I just bought one too.

 

[noharleyyet]

I'd go 4.5-14. I just bought one too.

...were it Firedot I'd be all over that choice.

 

[rtraverdavis]

If you can swing the VX5, I doubt you'd regret it. I'd be going with the windplex reticle, personally.

 

[nhenry]

...were it Firedot I'd be all over that choice.

Didn't have one in 1-inch tube configuration and that's what I like

 

[Schaaf]

I know a lot of people feel like 10x is enough but I've always preferred having 12-15x on the top end for open spaces.

 

[ludville1]

I have the Leupold 172368 VX-5HD 3-15x 44 Firedot Duplex on my .264 Win. mag...get that one if your budget allows.

 

[BackofBeyond]

I love my VX6 2x12x40 on my 7RM.

 

[Gynaroo]

I have both of the bottom scopes you listed. They are both great scopes. I really do like the fire dot. It seemed a little silly that a red dot would make that much of a difference. But in hunting situations I probably only remember it’s there 40% of the time. I personally have the VX5 on my 7 rem mag.

 

[Redman]

VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Wind-Plex 30MM
Is my pick. I just got my 2nd one from Schmalts about a month ago.

 

[Wapiti87]

Ya I’m kinda in the same boat. I’m new to shooting rifles ( bow hunter here) and I just bought a Seekins PH2 in a 7 mag. I have not decided on a scope yet. I also have the leupold vx5hd on my list along with Swarovski z5, NF Shv. Just can’t decide because I’m not that knowledgeable. Working on it though!

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have had non-Fire Dot Leupolds and my dad had a couple of Fire Dots. For me, if it is too dark to see a Leupold non-Fire Dot SFP reticle, it was after legal shooting light. If choosing one of the scope lines you mentioned, I would go with a Wind Plex or HTMR reticle.

 

[belshawelk]

The one that @schmalts sells you.

 

[noharleyyet]

I have had non-Fire Dot Leupolds and my dad had a couple of Fire Dots. For me, if it is too dark to see a Leupold non-Fire Dot SFP reticle, it was after legal shooting light. If choosing one of the scope lines you mentioned, I would go with a Wind Plex or HTMR reticle.

Come to the light Clint.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Come to the light Clint.

Maybe when I get old.